Evidence supporting the use of: Digitalis
For the health condition: Arrhythmia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Digitalis (derived from the foxglove plant, Digitalis purpurea) has a well-established, scientifically validated use in the management of certain cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. The primary active compounds, known as cardiac glycosides (notably digoxin and digitoxin), exert their effect by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump in cardiac muscle cells. This leads to increased intracellular calcium, which enhances cardiac contractility (positive inotropy) and slows conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node (negative chronotropy).

Because of its effect on AV node conduction, digoxin is especially effective in controlling the ventricular rate in supraventricular arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. However, it is not typically used for ventricular arrhythmias and is generally not the first-line therapy for most arrhythmias today, given the availability of safer and more effective antiarrhythmic drugs. Nonetheless, its use is still supported by major clinical guidelines, particularly in patients with concurrent heart failure.

Numerous controlled clinical trials and decades of clinical experience support the efficacy of digitalis glycosides in these settings, though concerns about toxicity and a narrow therapeutic window limit its use. In summary, digitalis has a clear, evidence-based—though now more limited—role in the management of certain arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation with heart failure.

More about Digitalis
More about Arrhythmia

Products containing Digitalis

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.